Men's experiences of deciding about treatment for localized prostate cancer: a meta-synthesis

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men worldwide and nowadays several treatments are available, each presenting risks and benefits. Therefore, deciding on the most appropriate treatment is particularly challenging for men at the time of the diagnosis.

This review was aimed at identifying, analyzing, and synthesizing the qualitative evidence on the experience of deciding about treatment after a diagnosis of localized Prostate cancer (LPC) METHODS: A meta-synthesis according to the meta-aggregation approach of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) was used. The CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases were searched for qualitative studies published from January 1998 to August 2018 in English and Italian. Qualita- tive Assessment and Review Instrument of JBI was used.

From the identified sixteen studies two synthesized findings were derived that describe the decision-making as a complex process made in condition of emotional distress and influenced by internal and external factors; men evaluate differently the possible risks and benefits of cancer treatment, and after deciding they try to cope with their choice.

The review provides evidence that men with LPC's need to receive emotional support and comprehensive information about the treatment options to facilitate their decision. The healthcare team should refer men to a multidisciplinary cancer service to permit access to all the treatment options.